PLATTLINE ™

ZINC RIBBON ANODES FOR

ABOVE GROUND
STORAGE TANKS
PLATTLINE™ ZINC RIBBON ANODES

Cathodic Protection (CP) is the application of direct current

to reverse the natural tendency for metals to return to their
natural condition as metal oxides (rust). CP prevents the
corrosion process from occurring.

Corrosion occurs in the presence of moisture. In Above

Ground Storage Tanks, it is important, both economically and
environmentally, to protect tank bottoms from corrosion. The
area under the tank bottom can become moist and can remain
moist from ground moisture, under-tank condensation or
seam leakage.

Present regulations make protection of the tank bottom

desirable. Whether the tank bottom is the initial bottom of
a new tank, a replacement bottom, or a double bottom,
proper corrosion protection is important.

In the past, replacement bottoms were installed over the

old bottom and welded to the old bottom at the tank wall.
This procedure closes the corrosion circuit, making the
new steel anodic to the old tank bottom, and in the process
accelerating the corrosion process of the new metal. Figure 1 – Plattline™ Zinc Ribbon Anodes are used to
protect above ground storage tank bottoms.
Experience has shown that a properly designed and
installed zinc ribbon anode system in the interstitial
space between new and old tank bottoms is very effective
at providing cathodic protection. This system has been Features
recognized throughout the industry as the most cost • Easy to install.
effective and efficient method of corrosion control today. • Even distribution of current density.
• Self-regulating current output.
Plattline™ Zinc Ribbon Anodes provide a simple and cost
• Continuous lengths enable a variety of designs.
effective method of corrosion control for Above Ground
• Normal design life of 20 years or more.
Storage Tank bottoms. The zinc ribbon is self regulating
• Anode configuration is ideal for use in small or limited spaces.
which means that it will protect the steel tank bottom when
the electrolyte (the sand) is conductive (moist) only on
demand. When the demand decreases, the zinc ribbon output Installation
will decrease as well. No external power source is required.
Plattline ™ Zinc Ribbon Anode can be installed in several ways. It
Plattline™ is a continuous zinc ribbon and simple to can be cut into lengths and connected by a lead wire along the tank
install. No special tools are required and there is no need bottom or it can be laid out in a spiral or serpentine fashion in a
for constant monitoring or maintenance once the system continuous length along the tank bottom. Each of these installation
is installed. patterns is illustrated in Figure 2 on the next page and takes place in
the sand electrolyte which is approximately four to six inches deep.
ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ZINC:
Galvanic Efficiency: 90% to 95%
Current Capacity-Ampere-Hours/Lb. 372
Consumption-Actual-Lbs./Amp. Year
Plattline II: 26.2*
Solution Potential, volts to saturated
Copper/Copper Sulphate Electrode -1.1
*At 90% Efficiency
FOR ABOVE GROUND STORAGE TANK BOTTOMS

Figure 2 - Plattline™ can be used in three different

Tank Wall
patterns under above ground storage tanks.
Zinc Ribbon Anode

Cable to Tank Test Station

Tank Wall Test Station

Reference
Electrode Sand
Reference
Electrode

Sand Tank Wall

Zinc Ribbon Anode

Zinc Ribbon Anode

Test Station

Reference
Electrode Sand

Figure 3 - New Tank

Bottom Installation. Tank Wall
Replacement Tank Bottom
Wires Connecting Anodes to Tank
Sand Electrolyte

Plattline™
Zinc Ribbon
Anodes
Polyethylene
Grade Liner
Original Tank Bottom

Concrete Ring

Tank Wall
Figure 4 - Tank Bottom
Replacement Installation.
Tank Bottom

Wire Connecting Sand Electrolyte

Anodes to Tank

Plattline™
Pipe Zinc Ribbon
Grade Anodes
Polyethylene
Liner
Concrete Ring
 PLATTLINE™ ZINC RIBBON ANODES
Product Data Sheet

Plattline™ zinc ribbon anodes are used in a variety of applications. They are used for cathodic protection
on buried pipelines, for A.C. mitigation on pipelines, for sacrificial cathodic protection of secondary
bottoms on above-ground storage tanks, for A.C. mitigation grounding mats and for other corrosion
protection applications.

Specification
Chart

Product Size Super Plus Standard Small

Cross Section: 1" x 1-1/4" 5/8" x 7/8" 1/2" x 9/16" 11/32" x 13/32"
Inches
Millimeters 25.4 x 31.75 15.88 x 22.22 12.7 x 14.28 8.73 x 10.32

1
Weight/Foot, Pounds 2.4 1.2 0.6 0.25
Weight/Kg., Meters 3.570 1.785 .8925 .372
2 3
Diameter of wire core 0.185 0.135 0.130 0.115
Inches
Millimeters 4.70 3.43 3.30 2.92
4
Standard Coil Length + 10 + 30
Feet 100 -0 200 +- 020 500 -0 1000 +- 050
+3 + 6.1 +9 + 15
Meters 30.5 -0 61 - 0 152 -0 305 - 0

Standard Coil I.D. 36 36 12 12

Inches
Centimeters 91.44 91.44 30.5 30.5

Steel-banded Steel-banded
Packaging random-wound random-wound Wood Reels Wood Reels
open coils open coils

1. All dimensions and weights are nominal. 4. Longer coil lengths are available on special order.
2. Galvanized Steel Standard size also available in reels of 1000 ft and 3600 ft.
3. "Arctic" standard size has nominal core diameter of
.163 inches (4.140 mm.)

Plattline I is an alloyed zinc product and is generally used in seawater or brackish water systems.
It meets the chemical requirement of MIL-A-18001K and ASTM B418-95a Type I.

Plattline II is a high purity product and generally used in underground and fresh water systems.
It meets the chemical requirements of ASTM B418-95a Type II.

The Platt Brothers & Company 2670 South Main St. P.O. Box 1030 Waterbury, CT 06721
T 800-752-8276 or 203-753-4194 Fax 203-753-9709 email platzinc@snet.net

This document its contents and related information are submitted as suggestions with no warranty or other representation. Any use thereof is at the user's independent discretion. In
connection therewith, Platt Bros. & Co. shall have no liability of any kind, grants no license and assumes no responsibility, for suitability, practicability, freedom of patent or other
infringement, or conformation to codes, standards or regulations. The foregoing may be waived or modified only in writing by an authorized officer of the Platt Bros. & Co.